Seed deflector and agitator for an agricultural product distribution system

ABSTRACT

A seed planting system includes a seed storage tank to store seeds. A seed meter is fluidly coupled to the seed storage tank via a flow path, in which the seed meter receives seeds from the seed storage tank and distributes the seeds to ground engaging opener assemblies. A seed deflector is coupled to the seed storage tank directly above the flow path. The seed deflector guides the seeds from the seed storage tank into the flow path at an angle relative to a vertical axis of the flow path.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority and benefit from U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 14/932,082, entitled “SEED DEFLECTOR AND AGITATORFOR AN AGRICULTURAL PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM”, filed Nov. 4, 2015,which claims priority and the benefit of U.S. Provisional ApplicationSer. No. 62/074,837, entitled “SEED DEFLECTOR AND AGITATOR FOR ANAGRICULTURAL PRODUCT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM”, filed Nov. 4, 2014, both ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety herein.

BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates generally to seed planting systems and,more particularly, to seed distribution in the seed planting system.

Generally, a seed planting system is used to deposit seeds into soil.For example, in the seed planting system, an agricultural implement mayinclude multiple rows of ground engaging opener assemblies that excavatetrenches into the soil. The ground engaging opener assemblies may thendeposit seeds into the excavated trenches. In this manner, rows of seedsmay be planted into the soil.

To facilitate the deposition of seeds, the seeds may be distributed toeach of the ground engaging opener assemblies from a centralized storagelocation, such as a seed storage tank. More specifically, a seed metermay be used to control the seed distribution to each of the groundengaging opener assemblies from the centralized storage location. Inother words, the storage tank may supply seeds into the seed meter fordistribution. As such, seed distribution may be undesirable when theflow of seeds from the storage tank to the seed meter is obstructed, forexample, by clumped seeds.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION

Certain embodiments commensurate in scope with the originally claimedinvention are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended tolimit the scope of the claimed invention, but rather these embodimentsare intended only to provide a brief summary of possible forms of theinvention. Indeed, the invention may encompass a variety of forms thatmay be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

A first embodiment describes a seed planting system that includes a seedstorage tank to store seeds; a seed meter fluidly coupled to the seedstorage tank via a flow path, in which the seed meter receives seedsfrom the seed storage tank and distributes the seeds to ground engagingopener assemblies; and a seed deflector coupled to the seed storage tankdirectly above the flow path, in which the seed deflector guides theseeds from the seed storage tank into the flow path at an angle relativeto a vertical axis of the flow path.

A second embodiment describes a method for controlling actuation of aseed deflector in a seed planting system. The method includesdetermining, using a control system, that clumped seeds are at leastpartially obstructing a flow path between a seed storage tank and a seedmeter; instructing, using the control system, a motor drive to actuatethe seed deflector to dislodge the clumped seeds, in which the seeddeflector is positioned directly above the flow path; determining, usingthe control system, that a seed gate assembly disposed in the flow pathis moving from an open position to a closed position; and instructing,using the control system, the motor drive to position the seed deflectorin an upright orientation to establish a seed void above the seed gateassembly that facilitates moving the seed gate assembly to the closedposition.

A third embodiment describes a seed planting system that includes a seedgate assembly disposed between a seed storage tank and a seed meter. Theseed gate assembly includes a gate barrier that controls seed flowthrough a flow path from the seed storage tank into the seed meter bymoving between an open position and a closed position; and a first seedagitator extending substantially perpendicularly from a surface of thegate barrier. The seed planting system further includes a seed deflectorpositioned directly above the flow path and coupled to the gate barrierby a cable, in which the cable actuates the seed deflector as the gatebarrier moves. The seed deflector and the first seed agitator dislodgeclumped seeds in the seed storage tank as the gate barrier moves fromthe open position toward the closed position.

DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the presentinvention will become better understood when the following detaileddescription is read with reference to the accompanying drawings in whichlike characters represent like parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a side view of a seed planting system with an agriculturalimplement and an air cart, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view of a seed meter, in accordance with anembodiment;

FIG. 3 is a side view of a seed meter, in accordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the seed meter of FIG. 3, in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a storage tank and a seed gateassembly, in which the seed gate is in an open position, in accordancewith an embodiment;

FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the storage tank and the seed gateassembly of FIG. 5, in which the seed gate is in a closed position, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the storage tank and theseed gate assembly of FIG. 5 with a movable seed deflector, inaccordance with an embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a flow diagram of a process for actuating the seed deflector,in accordance with an embodiment; and

FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional perspective view of the storage tank and theseed gate assembly of FIG. 5 with an alternative movable seed deflector,in accordance with an embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will bedescribed below. In an effort to provide a concise description of theseembodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not bedescribed in the specification. It should be appreciated that in thedevelopment of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering ordesign project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be madeto achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance withsystem-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from oneimplementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that sucha development effort might be complex and time consuming, but wouldnevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, andmanufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of thisdisclosure.

When introducing elements of various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” “the,” and “said” are intended tomean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,”“including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean thatthere may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Anyexamples of operating parameters and/or environmental conditions are notexclusive of other parameters/conditions of the disclosed embodiments.

A planting system generally enables multiple rows of seeds to bedeposited into soil. For example, the seeds may be distributed tomultiple rows of ground engaging opener assemblies on an agriculturalimplement. Each of the ground engaging opener assemblies may engage thesoil to excavate a trench and deposit the seeds into the trench.

In certain configurations, the ground engaging opener assemblies do notinclude adjustable control over the rate of seed deposition. Instead,each ground engaging opener assembly may receive seeds, e.g., via apneumatic flow through hose, and utilize gravity to deposit receivedseeds into a trench. In other words, the ground engaging opener assemblymay deposit seeds based on the flow rate of seeds to the ground engagingopener assembly, among other factors.

As such, the deposition of seeds may be controlled by the distributionof seeds to each of the ground engaging opener assemblies. In someembodiments, controlling the flow of seeds may enable the seed spacingand/or amount of seeds deposited to be controlled. For example, bydecreasing the distribution rate of seeds to a ground engaging opener,the seed spacing may be increased and/or the amount of seeds depositedmay be decreased. On the other hand, by increasing the distribution rateof seeds to a ground engaging opener, the seed spacing may be reducedand/or amount of seeds deposited may be increased.

Generally, the seeds may be stored in and distributed from a centralizedlocation, such as an air cart. More specifically, on the air cart, astorage tank may centrally store the seeds and a seed meter may controlthe distribution of seeds to each of the ground engaging openerassemblies. Thus, the storage tank and the seed meter may be fluidlycoupled to enable seed flow from the storage tank into the seed meter.

As such, the deposition of seeds may be affected when the seed flow fromthe storage tank into the seed meter is disturbed, for example, by anobstruction caused by clumped seeds in the storage tank. In someembodiments, seeds may clump due to their asymmetrical shapes,high-friction surfaces, close proximity, and/or “stickiness” due tonatural fluids or treatments, among other factors. More specifically,clumped seeds may block seeds from flowing from the storage tank andinto the seed meter, which reduces the amount of seed available for theseed meter to distribute. In other words, clumped seeds may cause theseed meter to distribute less than the desired amount of seeds to theground engaging opener assemblies, thereby causing undesirable seeddeposition.

Accordingly, as will be described in more detail below, the techniquesdescribed herein may improve the reliability of the seed distribution byreducing the possibility of seed clumping. In one embodiment, a seedmeter is fluidly coupled to a storage tank to enable the storage tank tosupply seeds to the seed meter. In other words, a flow path may beestablished between the storage tank and the seed meter to enable seedflow. To facilitate the seed flow, a seed deflector (e.g., an umbrellaseed deflector) may be included directly above the flow path. Morespecifically, the umbrella seed deflector may guide the seeds so thatthe seeds enter the flow path at an angle relative to the vertical axisand are less concentrated (e.g., compacted) in the flow path, therebyreducing the possibility of clumped seed. In fact, in some embodiments,the umbrella seed deflector may actuate to agitate the seeds, which mayfurther reduce the possibility of clumped seeds

Additionally, in some embodiments, the seed meter may include a seedgate assembly, which may be used to control the seed flow from thestorage tank into the seed meter. More specifically, the seed gateassembly may be opened to enable the seed flow and closed to block theseed flow. As the seed gate assembly closes, seeds in the path of themovement of the seed gate assembly may be displaced. However, thismovement may be difficult when the seeds are tightly compacted againstthe seed gate assembly.

Accordingly, as will be described in more detail below, the techniquesdescribed herein may improve control over the seed flow by a seed gateassembly. In one embodiment, the umbrella seed deflector may establish aless concentrated flow of seeds through the flow path and against theseed gate assembly. As such, fewer seeds may be displaced as the seedgate assembly is closed, which may improve the ease and responsivenessof closing the seed gate assembly.

To help illustrate, a side view of a planting system 10 is shown inFIG. 1. As depicted, the planting system 10 includes an agriculturalimplement 11 coupled to an air cart 12. In the depicted embodiment, theair cart 12 is towed behind the agricultural implement 11. Morespecifically, the agricultural implement 11 may be coupled to anoff-road work vehicle by a first hitch assembly (not shown), and the aircart 12 may be coupled to the agricultural implement 11 by a secondhitch assembly 14. However, in other embodiments, the agriculturalimplement 11 may be towed behind the air cart 12. In furtherembodiments, the implement 11 and the air cart 12 may be part of asingle unit that is towed behind an off-road work vehicle or may beelements of a self-propelled vehicle.

As described above, the agricultural implement 11 may be used to depositrows of seeds into the soil as the agricultural implement 11 is towedacross a field by an off-road work vehicle, such as a tractor.Accordingly, as depicted, the agricultural implement 11 includes a toolframe 15 coupled to a ground engaging opener assembly 16, a distributionheader 18, a hose 20, and wheel assemblies 22.

More specifically, the wheel assemblies 22 may contact the soil surfaceto enable the agricultural implement 11 to be pulled by the off-roadwork vehicle. As the agricultural implement 11 is pulled, a row of seedsmay be deposited into the soil by the ground engaging opener assembly16. Although only one ground engaging opener assembly 16 is shown, theagricultural implement 11 may include multiple ground engaging openerassemblies 16 organized in a row across the agricultural implement 11.In some embodiments, the agricultural implement 11 may include a row of12, 14, 16, 18, 20, or more ground engaging opener assemblies 16, whichmay each deposit a row of seeds.

To facilitate depositing seeds, each ground engaging opener assembly 16includes an opener 17, a press wheel 19, and a seed tube 21. Morespecifically, when the opener 17 engages the soil, the opener 17 mayexert a downward force that excavates a trench into the soil as theground engaging opener assembly 16 travels through the field. Seeds maythen be deposited into the excavated trench via the seed tube 21. Then,the press wheel 19 may move the excavated soil into the trench to coverthe seeds.

As described above, the air cart 12 may centrally store seeds anddistribute the seeds to the ground engaging opener assembly 16.Accordingly, as depicted, the air cart 12 includes a seed meter 24, astorage tank 26, a frame 28, wheels 30, and an air source 32. In thedepicted embodiment, the air cart frame 28 is coupled to the tool frame15 via the hitch 14. As such, the wheels 30 may contact the soil surfaceto enable the air cart 12 to be towed along with the agriculturalimplement 11.

Additionally, the storage tank 26 may centrally store the seeds fordistribution. In some embodiments, the storage tank 26 may includemultiple compartments for storing different types of granular products.For example, a first compartment may store seeds while a secondcompartment may store a dry fertilizer. In such configurations, the aircart 12 may deliver both seed and fertilizer to the implement 10 viaseparate distribution systems, or as a mixture through a singledistribution system.

Generally, the distribution system may control the amount of seedsdistributed to the ground engaging opener assemblies 16, for example,using the seed meter 24. As depicted, the seed meter 24 is mounted tothe bottom of the storage tank 26, which may enable the storage tank 26to supply seeds to the seed meter 24. The seed meter 24 may thendistribute the seeds to the distribution header 18 via a respective hose34. The distribution headers 18 may then distribute the seeds to one ormore ground engaging opener assemblies 16 via the hose 20. In thismanner, the seed meter 24 may control distribution of seeds from thestorage tank 26 to the ground engaging opener assemblies 16 and into thetrenches.

In some embodiments, the seeds may be pneumatically distributed. To helpillustrate, a schematic view of the seed meter 24 and the storage tank26 is shown in FIG. 2. As depicted, the air source 32 generates an airstream 36, which is guided through though the seed meter 24. In someembodiments, the air source 32 may be a pump or blower powered by anelectric or hydraulic motor, for example. As depicted, the air stream 36is guided so that it tangentially engages seeds 38 output from thestorage tank 26. In this manner, the seeds 38 may be entrained in theair stream 36 and output from the seed meter 24.

Thus, the seed meter 24 may control the flow rate of seeds 38 bycontrolling the flow of seeds from the storage tank 26 into the airstream 36. In the depicted embodiment, a meter roller 40 is utilized.More specifically, rotation of the meter roller 40 may transfer seeds 38through an opening 42 into the air stream 36. Thus, as depicted, themeter roller 40 includes an interior cavity 44 that receives a shaftconnected to a drive unit, which actuates the meter roller 40. In otherembodiments, the meter roller 40 may be coupled to a wheel 30 so thatrotation of the wheel 30 drives the meter roller 40 to rotate. Such aconfiguration may automatically vary the rotation rate of the meterroller 40 based on the speed of the air cart 12.

Additionally, as depicted, the meter roller 40 includes multiple flutes46 and recesses 48. More specifically, seeds 28 may be held betweenadjacent flutes 46 in each recess 48. Thus, as the meter roller 40rotates, gravity may pull the seeds 38 held in a recess 48 through theopening 42 and into the air stream 36. Generally, the number andgeometry of the flutes 46 may be based on the seeds 38 beingdistributed. For example, a meter roller 40 having deeper recesses 48and fewer flutes 46 may be employed for larger seeds, while a meterroller 40 having shallower recesses 48 and more flutes 46 may beemployed for smaller seeds. Other parameters such as flute pitch (i.e.,angle relative to a longitudinal axis) and flute angle (i.e., anglerelative to a radial axis) may also be particularly selected based onseed type, for example.

Thus, the actuation of the meter roller 40 may be based upon anexpectation that a certain amount of seeds are in the seed meter 24. Forexample, when less than the expected amount of seeds is present in theseed meter 24, each recess 48 may hold less seeds. As such, eachrotation of the meter roller 40 may output less seeds into the airstream 36, thereby increasing seed spacing and/or decreasing amount ofseeds deposited undesirably.

As described above, multiple rows of ground engaging opener assemblies16 may be used. In some embodiments, the seed meter 24 may include asingle continuous meter roller 40. In such an embodiment, the seeddistribution to each of the ground engaging opener assemblies 16supplied by the seed meter 24 may be generally uniform.

However, in other embodiments, it may be beneficial to vary distributionrates to the ground engaging opener assemblies 16. For example, when theagricultural implement 11 is turning, ground engaging opener assemblies16 closer to the center point of the turning circle may travel a shorterdistance than ground engaging opener assemblies 16 farther from thecenter point. Accordingly, to maintain uniform spacing of seeds betweenthe rows, it may be desirable for the ground engaging opener assemblies16 closer to the center point to deposit seeds at a slower rate than theground engaging opener assemblies 16 farther from the center point. Insuch embodiments, the seed meter 24 may include multiple meter rollers40 disposed adjacent to one another. For example, each individual meterroller 40 may be used to control seed distribution to one or more of theground engaging opener assemblies 16. Accordingly, the seed meter 24 mayinclude 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, or more independently controllable meterrollers 40.

To help illustrate, a side view of one embodiment of a seed meter 24with ten meter rollers 40 is shown in FIG. 3. In the depictedembodiment, each meter roller 40 may control the seed output ratethrough the two hose connectors 50 directly below the meter roller 40.For example, a first meter roller 40A may receive seeds from the storagetank 26 and control output of the seeds through a first hose connector50A and a second hose connector 50B. More specifically, each hoseconnector 50 may be pneumatically coupled to a respective hose 34 toenable the air stream 36 to be delivered to the distribution header 18or directly to a ground engaging opener assembly 16. As such, each ofthe meter rollers 40 may control the seed deposition by one or moreground engaging opener assemblies 16. In other words, the depicted seedmeter 24 may be used to deposit ten or more rows of seeds into the soil.

To facilitate receiving seeds from the storage tank 26, the seed meter24 may be secured to the storage tank 26 using a seed gate assembly 52.For example, in the depicted embodiment, the seed gate assembly 52 issecured to the bottom of the storage tank using bolts 54. Accordingly,seeds may flow from the storage tank 26, though the seed gate assembly52, and into the seed meter 24. As such, one or more sensors (not shown)in the seed gate assembly 52 may be used to determine the seed flow rateinto the seed meter 24. In some embodiments, it may be determine thatclumped seeds are likely present when the seed flow rate is lower thanexpected.

Additionally, the seed gate assembly 52 may be used to control the flowof seeds from the storage tank 26 into the seed meter 24. To moreclearly illustrate, a perspective view of the seed meter 24 is shown inFIG. 4. In the depicted embodiment, the seed gate assembly 52 is in aclosed position. As such, the seed gate assembly 52 blocks the flow ofseeds from the storage tank 26 into the seed meter 24. On the otherhand, when the seed gate assembly 52 is in an open position, a flow pathmay be formed to enable seeds to flow from the storage tank 26 into theseed meter 24. In the depicted embodiment, the transition between theopen and closed positions may be controlled by a lever 56. For example,the lever 56 may be moved in a clockwise direction to transition theseed gate assembly 52 from the closed position to the open position.Additionally, the lever 56 may be moved in a counter-clockwise directionto transition the seed gate assembly 52 from the open position to theclosed position.

Additionally, in the depicted embodiment, the seed gate assembly 52includes multiple seed agitators 58 disposed along the longitudinalextent of the seed gate assembly 52. More specifically, each seedagitator 58 may extend perpendicularly from a surface of the gatebarrier 62. In fact, in some embodiments, the seed agitators 58 mayextend into the storage tank 26 as the gate barrier 62 is moved to closethe seed gate assembly 52. As such, the seed gate assembly 52 may betransitioned into the closed position to facilitate dislodging clumpedseeds in the storage tank 26.

As described above, to further reduce the possibility of clumped seed inthe storage tank 26, an umbrella seed deflector may be positioneddirectly above the seed gate assembly. To more clearly illustrate, across-sectional view of the seed gate assembly 52 coupled to the storagetank 26 taken along the 5-5 lines is shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. Morespecifically, FIG. 5 shows the seed gate assembly 52 in the openposition and FIG. 6 shows the seed gate assembly 52 in the closedposition.

In the depicted embodiment, the seed gate assembly 52 includes the seedagitator 58, a gate seed deflector 60, a gate barrier 62, a hinge 64,and a hinge seed deflector 66. In the depicted embodiment, the gatebarrier 62 may rotate about the hinge 64 to transition the seed gateassembly 52 between the open position and the closed position.

As depicted, when the gate barrier 62 is in the open position, a flowpath 68 is formed along the gate seed deflector 60 and the gate barrier62, which may enable seeds to flow from the storage tank 26 into theseed meter 24. Additionally, an umbrella seed deflector 70 is positionedabove the flow path 68. As used herein, the term “umbrella seeddeflector” is intended to describe any deflector that guides seeds awayfrom flowing directly downward through the flow path 68 along a verticalaxis, which may cause seeds to enter the flow path 68 at an angle and/ormay reduce seed concentration in the flow path 68.

For example, in the depicted embodiment, the umbrella seed deflector 70is formed with two flat pieces 71 that extend longitudinally through thestorage tank 26. Additionally, the two flat pieces 71 are joined to forma point 73, which faces away from the seed meter 24. In the depictedembodiment, the angle between two flat pieces 71 is approximately 90degrees. However, in other embodiments, the angle may be approximately60 degrees, 76 degrees, 105 degrees, 120 degrees, or 150 degrees. Assuch, the two flat pieces 71 may guide the seed flow around the umbrellaseed deflector 70. More specifically, in the depicted embodiment, theumbrella seed deflector 70 guides seed flow through angled flow paths 72formed along the storage tank walls 74. Thus, when the seeds flow out ofthe storage tank 26, the seeds are traveling in an angled directionrelative to the vertical axis 75 instead of directly straight down.

In this manner, the concentration of seeds in the flow path 68 may bereduced. For example, in some embodiments, a void 76 shown in FIG. 5 maybe created directly underneath the umbrella seed deflector 70. Morespecifically, since seeds generally flow in a downward direction (e.g.,due to gravity), the umbrella seed deflector 70 may create the void 76by blocking seed flow above the void 76.

Additionally, in some embodiments, the umbrella seed deflector 70 may beused to control seed flow into the flow path 68. More specifically, theumbrella seed deflector 70 may be used so that the seed flow rate intothe flow path 68 approximately equal to the seed flow rate out from theflow path 68, which may reduce the possibility of seed buildup in theflow path 68. As such, contact (e.g., contact area, number of contacts,etc.) between seeds while in the flow path 68 may be reduced, therebyreducing the possibility of seeds clumping together, e.g., across theseed gate assembly 52. Furthermore, the seed pressure caused by theweight of the seeds against the seed gate assembly 52 may be reduced.

The seed flow rate into the flow path 68 may be at least partially basedon the size of the angled flow paths 72 in relation to the size of theseeds. In the depicted embodiment, the size of the angled flow paths 72is dependent at least on the size of the umbrella seed deflector 70. Forexample, when the umbrella seed deflector 70 is larger, the size of theangled flow paths 72 may be reduced, thereby reducing the seed flow rateinto the flow path 68. On the other hand, when the umbrella seeddeflector 70 is smaller in size, the size of the angled flow paths 72may be increased, thereby increasing the seed flow rate into the flowpath 68. In fact, in some embodiments, the umbrella seed deflector 70may be selectively replaced, for example, to account for different seedsizes or to change the seed flow rate into the flow path 68.

In addition to reducing the possibility of clumped seeds, the decreasedconcentration of seed in the flow path 68 may also facilitate operationof the seed gate assembly 52. More specifically, to move the gatebarrier 62 toward the closed position, seeds in the path of the movementof the gate barrier 62 may be displaced. To help illustrate, the gatebarrier 62 in the closed position is shown in FIG. 6. As depicted, whenthe gate barrier 62 is in the closed position, a junction 78 is formedbetween the gate seed deflector 60 and the gate barrier 62, which mayblock the flow of seeds from the storage tank 26 into the seed meter 24.Accordingly, to move the gate barrier 62 from the open position to theclosed position, seeds present in the flow path 68 may be displaced.More specifically, the gate barrier 62 may guide a portion of seeds inthe flow path 68 into a gap behind the gate seed deflector 76 and aportion of the seeds back into the storage tank.

The reduced concentration of seeds in the flow path 68 may improve theease and responsiveness with which the gate barrier 62 is closed. Morespecifically, since the amount of seeds flowing through the flow path 68is reduced by the umbrella seed deflector 70, the gate barrier 62 maydisplace a fewer number of seeds as it moves toward the closed position.Additionally, since more space is present between the seeds in the flowpath 68 due to reduced seed density, the gate barrier 62 may more easilydisplace the seeds. Furthermore, the void 76 may provide addition openspace in the storage tank 26 for the gate barrier 62 to displace seedsas it moves toward the closed position. In this manner, the ease andresponsiveness with which the gate barrier 62 is closed may be improved.

In addition to the use of the umbrella seed deflector 70, thepossibility of seed clumping may further be reduced because the gateseed deflector 60, the hinge seed deflector 66, and the gate barrier 62are oriented in a downward sloping angle relative to the vertical axis.As such, the seeds may flow in a laterally inward direction (e.g.,through the flow path 68 and/or toward the junction 78). In this manner,the likelihood of seeds becoming trapped and clumping, for example alongthe hinge 64, may be reduced.

Moreover, the downward sloping angles of the gate seed deflector 60, thehinge seed deflector 66, and the gate barrier 62 may facilitate openingand closing of the seed gate assembly 52. As described above, when theseed gate assembly 52 is in the closed position, the seeds may be guidedtoward the junction 78. In other words, the seeds may be guided toward alocation at which the flow path 68 will be formed when the gate barrieris open. Additionally, since the junction 78 is formed at an angle,instead of as a flat surface, the possibility of seed clumping caused bythe junction 78 may be reduced. Thus, as the seed gate assembly 52transitions from the closed position to the open position, un-clumped(e.g., separated) seeds may begin to flow through the flow path 68.

As described above, the umbrella seed deflector 70 may improve operationof the seed meter 24 (e.g., by reducing seed clumping) due to itsability to guide seeds into the flow path 68 at an angle relative to thevertical axis and to reduce seed concentration in the flow path 68.Accordingly, in some embodiments, the umbrella seed deflector 70 may bestationarily coupled to the storage tank 26 in an upright orientation.As used herein, the “upright orientation” is intended to describe theorientation depicted in FIGS. 5 and 6.

In other embodiments, the umbrella seed deflector 70 may be adjustableto further improve operation of the seed meter 24. For example, the sizeof the umbrella seed deflector 70 may be adjusted (e.g., via operatorcontrol or automatic control) to control seed flow out of the storagetank 26 into the flow path 68 and/or the size of the void 76 created.Additionally, in further embodiments, the umbrella seed deflector 70 maybe movably coupled to the storage tank 26.

To help illustrate, an embodiment of a movable umbrella seed deflector70A is shown in FIG. 7. As depicted, the umbrella seed deflector 70A ismovably coupled to the storage tank 26 by a hinge 80, about which theumbrella seed deflector 70 may rotate. In some embodiments, a motordrive 82 may be coupled to the hinge 80 to actuate the umbrella seeddeflector 70A as desired.

Generally, when the umbrella seed deflector 70A rotates, seeds in thestorage tank 26 may be agitated (e.g., displaced). Accordingly, theumbrella seed deflector 70A may be actuated to dislodge clumped seeds inthe storage tank 26. In fact, the umbrella seed deflector 70A may beactuated in varying control schemes. For example, in some embodiments,the umbrella seed deflector 70A may be periodically actuated (e.g.,every 30 seconds). In other embodiments, the umbrella seed deflector 70Amay be continuously actuated, for example, using an electric motor andan offset linkage to oscillate the umbrella seed deflector 70A up to 30degrees back and forth during seeding. In still further embodiments, theumbrella seed deflector 70A may be actuated when clumped seeds aredetected.

Additionally, since the umbrella seed deflector 70A is movable, itsorientation may vary from the upright orientation, as shown in FIGS. 5and 6. However, as described above, the upright orientation of theumbrella seed deflector 70A may improve the ease and responsiveness withwhich the seed gate assembly 24 is closed. As such, in some controlschemes, the umbrella seed deflector 70A may be positioned in itsupright position as the gate barrier 62 moves toward the closedposition.

To facilitate implementing the varying control schemes, a control unit84 may be included to control operation of the motor drive 82. Forexample, the control unit 84 may instruct the motor drive 82 when toactuate the umbrella seed deflector 70A, how far to rotate the umbrellaseed deflector 70A, how fast to rotate the umbrella seed deflector 70A,and the like. Accordingly, the control unit 84 includes a processor 86and memory 88. In some embodiments, the processor 86 may include one ormore general purpose processors, one or more application specificintegrated circuits, one or more field programmable gate arrays, or thelike. Additionally, the memory 88 may be any tangible, non-transitory,computer readable medium that is capable of storing instructionsexecutable by the processor 86 and/or data that may be processed by theprocessor 86. In other words, the memory 88 may include volatile memory,such as random access memory, or non-volatile memory, such as hard diskdrives, read only memory, optical disks, flash memory, and the like.

One embodiment of a process 90 that may be implemented by the controlunit 84 to control the umbrella seed deflector 70A is shown in FIG. 8.Generally, the process 90 includes detecting whether clumped seeds arepresent (decision block 92) and actuating the umbrella seed deflectorwhen the clumped seeds are detected (process block 94). Additionally,the process 90 includes detecting whether the seed gate assembly isclosing (decision block 96) and adjusting the umbrella seed deflector tothe upright orientation when the seed gate assembly is closing (processblock 98). In some embodiments, one or more steps in the process 90 maybe implemented by instructions stored on a tangible, non-transitory,computer readable medium, such as the memory 88, and executable byprocessing circuitry, such as the processor 86.

Accordingly, the control unit 84 may determine whether seed clumping ispresent in the storage tank 26 (decision block 92). In some embodiments,one or more sensors 100 may be disposed in the storage tank 26, the seedgate assembly 52, the seed meter 24, or any combination thereof, and maybe communicatively coupled to the control unit 84. More specifically,the sensors 100 may be positioned to determine a flow rate of seedsflowing into the seed meter 24. Thus, the control unit 84 may determinethat clumped seeds are likely present when the flow of seeds is lowerthan expected. In some embodiments, the control unit 84 may notify anoperator of the flow rate with a visual display, or may notify theoperator of a possibility of clumped seed with a visual or auditoryindication.

When clumped seeds are detected, the control unit 84 may instruct themotor drive 82 to actuate the umbrella seed deflector 70A (process block94). More specifically, the control unit 84 may instruct the motor drive82 when to actuate the umbrella seed deflector 70A, how far to rotatethe umbrella seed deflector 70A, how fast to rotate the umbrella seeddeflector 70A, and the like, to agitate the seeds in the storage tank26.

Additionally, the control unit 84 may determine when the seed gateassembly 52 is closing (decision block 96). In some embodiments, one ormore sensors 102 may be included in the seed gate assembly 52 to detectmotion of the gate barrier 62 and may be communicatively coupled to thecontrol unit 84. Thus, when the gate barrier 62 is in the open position,the control unit 84 may determine that the seed gate assembly 52 isclosing when the gate barrier 62 begins to move (e.g., toward the closedposition).

When the seed gate assembly is closing, the control unit 84 may instructthe motor drive 82 to adjust the umbrella seed deflector 70A to theupright orientation (process block 98). More specifically, in someembodiments, the control unit 84 may determine the difference betweenthe current orientation of the umbrella seed deflector 70A and theupright orientation, e.g., via an angle sensor, such as a potentiometer.The control unit 84 may then instruct the motor drive 82 to rotate theumbrella seed deflector 70A accordingly.

As such, the umbrella seed deflector 70A may be actuated to reduce thepossibility of seed clumping as well as to improve the ease andresponsiveness with which the seed gate assembly 52 may be closed.However, as can be appreciated, the motor drive 82 may consume energy toactuate the umbrella seed deflector 70A. In some embodiments, it may bepossible to manually actuate the umbrella seed deflector 70A. Forexample, a lever may be directly coupled to the hinge 80 to enable anoperator to manually actuate the umbrella seed deflector 70 whendesired. In further embodiments, the actuation of the umbrella seeddeflector 70 may be indirectly controlled, for example, by the umbrellaseed deflector 70 to the gate barrier 62.

To help illustrate, an embodiment of a movable umbrella seed deflector70B is shown in FIG. 9. As depicted, one edge of the umbrella seeddeflector 70B is connected to the gate barrier 62 by a cable 104 (e.g.,a wire or a chain). Thus, movement of the umbrella seed deflector 70Bmay be directly tied to the movement of the gate barrier 62. Forexample, when the gate barrier 62 is moved from the closed position tothe open position, the gate barrier 62 may pull on the umbrella seeddeflector 70B, causing the umbrella seed deflector 70B to actuate in afirst direction (e.g., rotate counter-clockwise).

Additionally, as depicted, the umbrella seed deflector 70B is coupled tothe hinge 80 with a torsional spring 106. More specifically, as theumbrella seed deflector 70B is actuated by the opening of the gatebarrier 62, rotational energy may be stored in the torsional spring 106.Thus, when the gate barrier 62 is moved to the closed position, therotational energy stored in the torsional spring 106 may be released,thereby actuating the umbrella seed deflector 70B in an oppositedirection (e.g., rotate clockwise).

As such, the umbrella seed deflector 70B may actuate and displace seedseach time the gate barrier 62 is moved. In fact, this may enable theumbrella seed deflector 70B to work in unison with the seed agitator 58on the gate barrier 62 to dislodge clumped seeds. For example, the gatebarrier 62 may be repeatedly moved from the open position, to the closedposition, and back to the open position to enable the seed agitators 58and the umbrella seed deflector 70B to dislodge seed clumps.

Accordingly, embodiments described herein may provide the technicalbenefit of improving consistency of seed distribution in a plantingsystem. More specifically, an umbrella seed deflector may be includedabove a flow path, which extends from a seed storage tank to a seedmeter that controls seed distribution. In some embodiments, the umbrellaseed deflector may guide seeds into the flow path at an angle relativeto a vertical axis to reduce the concentration of seeds in the flowpath, which may improve the ease and responsiveness with which a seedgate assembly may be closed and/or which may reduce the possibility ofthe flow path being obstructed by clumped seeds. Additionally, in someembodiments, the umbrella seed deflector may be actuated to agitate(e.g., displace) seeds, thereby further reducing the possibility ofseeds clumping.

While only certain features of the invention have been illustrated anddescribed herein, many modifications and changes will occur to thoseskilled in the art. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appendedclaims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fallwithin the true spirit of the invention.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A seed planting system, comprising: a seed gate assembly configured to be disposed between a seed storage tank and a seed meter, wherein the seed gate assembly comprises: a gate barrier configured to control seed flow through a flow path from the seed storage tank into the seed meter by moving between an open position and a closed position; and a first seed agitator extending substantially perpendicularly from a surface of the gate barrier; and a seed deflector positioned directly above the flow path and coupled to the gate barrier by a cable, wherein the cable is configured to actuate the seed deflector as the gate barrier moves; wherein the seed deflector and the first seed agitator are configured to dislodge a clump of seeds in the seed storage tank as the gate barrier moves from the open position toward the closed position.
 2. The seed planting system of claim 1, comprising a torsional spring coupled to the seed deflector, wherein the torsional spring is configured to store rotational energy as the seed deflector is actuated by the gate barrier, and to release the rotational energy as the gate barrier moves toward the closed position.
 3. The seed planting system of claim 1, wherein the first seed agitator is configured to extend into the seed storage tank as the gate barrier moves toward the closed position to dislodge the clump of seeds.
 4. The seed planting system of claim 1, wherein the seed deflector is configured to rotate in a first direction as the gate barrier moves toward the open position, and to rotate in a second direction, opposite the first direction, as the gate barrier moves toward the closed position.
 5. The seed planting system of claim 1, wherein the seed gate assembly comprises a second seed agitator extending substantially perpendicularly from the surface of the gate barrier, and the second seed agitator is configured to extend into the seed storage tank as the gate barrier moves toward the closed position to dislodge the clump of seeds. 